By Victoria International Container Terminal
Victoria International Container Terminal has completed its collective bargaining negotiations with the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) and Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU).
The new proposed enterprise agreement has been successfully voted in by the company’s Operational and Engineering employees and will be valid for four (4) years providing industrial certainty at VICT.
Key elements of the new agreement include:
- Unique stevedore arrangements and flexibilities specifically aligned to complement VICT’s specialised automated container management systems. For instance, VICT’s Operational 4 shifts on, 4 shifts off roster, along with a flexible 42-hour roster to continue, as well as VICT’s unique automated workplace roles and efficient manning levels.
- All Levels including casuals have been increased closer to so called “Industry Standards” within the first year followed by 2.5%, 3% and 3% for the remaining three years.
- By the 4th year, the average pay increase would equate to 13.6% over current rates covering all permanent employees.
- Total of 62 new permanent positions will be created. Based on the new agreement, it provides VICT with greater flexibility in our allocations and rosters.
This agreement is the result of active bargaining in the ratification process that both management and union delegates tirelessly worked on during the last few months. Through constructive and sometimes difficult negotiations, both parties have now concluded that continuity, security and compromise are in the best interests for all stakeholders, employees and VICT’s customers, especially considering the volatility of the pandemic’s impact. The agreement also highlights avenues for further strengthened dialogue and greater cooperation in line with shared judicial commitments.
VICT has enjoyed exceptional growth in three years as the market acknowledges its superior productivity on the Australian waterfront. The resolution will only serve to enhance VICT’s standing as a stable service provider for many years to come.
During the past 10 months some of VICT’s customers experienced disruptions and VICT would like to thank them for their ongoing commitment to VICT during this period. VICT is confident that continued stability will provide the necessary assurances of continued and uninterrupted service delivery at VICT.
VICT appreciates the support during this period and looks forward to providing a stable service to the entire industry.
Editor’s note: this article has been lightly edited by Shipping Australia.
